The Catholic Medical Association has come out in support of a proposed law that would ban late-term abortions in the state of Colorado.

The law, Colorado’s Proposition 115, would ban abortions after 22 weeks, which the CMA says not only saves the lives of unborn children, but is also aimed at safeguarding the health of expectant mothers.  

“Proposition 115 seeks to defend the dignity of life which is the cornerstone of our mission at Catholic Medical Association,” said Dr. Michael Parker, CMA President.

The CMA said it was relieved to see Proposition 115 on the Colorado ballot, as it is one of seven states that permit unrestricted abortion through the third trimester. The other states that permit abortion in the third trimester include Alaska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont.

“Supporting Proposition 115 is crucial for the dignity of the child. A 22-week baby in utero should enjoy the same legal status as a 22-week baby born prematurely,” said Dr. Michelle Stanford, CMA Secretary and a practicing pediatrician in Colorado. 

In addition to protecting the lives of innocent babies, CMA notes that Proposition 115 is crucial for the health and safety of expecting mothers.

“Physicians recognize that late term abortion is cruel and has the highest rate of death of any outpatient surgical procedure. The CDC established that for every additional week of gestation up to 21+ weeks, the risk of dying from abortion increased by 38%,” added Dr. Stanford. 

According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, deaths associated with legal, induced abortion continue to be rare events—with less, with than 1 per 100,000 procedures.

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